Colombia, FARC rebels hope to end 50-year war within six months

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HAVANA, CUBA - Could there be peace in Latin America? After more than 50 years? The answer is, 'yes!'

In Colombia, a conflict began that has never taken a break, until now.

A quick history lesson: the conflict is between the Colombian government, paramilitary groups, crime syndicates and left-wing guerrillas. The reasons for fighting vary from group to group.

Some claim to be fighting for the rights of the poor, some have been accused of engaging in drug trafficking and terrorism. But all parties have been criticized for numerous human rights violations.

Fast-forward to this week in Havana. Colombia`s president Juan Manuel Santos met face-to-face with leftist guerrilla leader, Rodrigo Londono for the first time.

In a joint statement, the two sides say they have agreed on a process for compensating victims of the decades-old conflict and a system to punish rebels accused of war crimes. Leftist guerrillas also agreed to lay down their weapons within six months.

Since the fighting began, more than 220-thousand have been killed and millions have been displaced.